I currently work out of town 20 days a month so I only have about 8 days to meet up with somebody and learn.

When you say "plumbing & electrical" have you found them to meet IBC & RBC standards?

If they fail to fit your requirements, you will move on to someone else who can meet your expectations.As long as there is mutual communication, your friendship should be preserved.

The person who can go see the property and meet/greet the seller/buyer.

@James Russell One group you might be interested in meeting is the Hot Springs Real Estate Investors MeetUp.

Hoping to meet some fellow investors and entrepreneurs in here, and to provide value where I can. 

Example: rented for one year, resided in for 2 years, 1/3 of gain is not exempt; lived in it for 3 years, rented for 1 year, 1/4 of gain is not exempt.This is because you rented it Prior to meeting the 2 years as your residence.

Hopefully, through the amount of research, time, and effort that I put into this, I can meet enough people and develop enough connections to become successful in this business.

Nothing says great management quite like a stranger knocking on your door telling you they heard your home was put up for rent.

@Alonzo Mansel sometimes yes but unless you plan to knock on strangers' doors every day (which isn't that efficient) hustle can only take you so far.